A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Panama City vs. Rapid City for Families, Nightlife, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Panama City or Rapid City?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Rapid City, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Panama City

Panama City is a active, cosmopolitan, and fun-filled beach town. Panama City is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Panama City travel costs.

Rapid City

Rapid City is a activity-filled, friendly, and fascinating city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Rapid City travel costs.

Panama City and Rapid City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Panama City or Rapid City?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Panama City than Rapid City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Panama City is better known for its nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Rapid City is more popular for its museums and attractions and hiking. Panama City is more touristy than Rapid City and is popular for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. Also, Panama City is famous for Pier Park. Rapid City is well known for its proximity to Mount Rushmore and many other iconic parks.

How is Panama City different from Rapid City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rapid City and Panama City. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Panama City or Rapid City?

Rapid City is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Rapid City are among the most recognizable in the world. You'll find a wide variety of museums and landmarks nearby. Popular places to visit that aren't far from town include the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, the South Dakota Air & Space Museum, and the Journey Museum & Learning Center. There's also the Museum of Geology and the National Presidential Wax Museum. And of course, there's the iconic Mount Rushmore.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Panama City or Rapid City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Panama City and Rapid City can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Panama City. There are many waterfront restaurants that serve freshly caught seafood. Head to town for a charming atmosphere or grab a bite at a casual eatery. Fried seafood is popular when eating out but you'll also find plenty of options for land-lovers. Most restaurants also have kid-friendly menus.

Rapid City is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find local restaurants in town that serve local specialties such as chislic (grilled meat), fry bread, and walleye (a local fish.

Is Panama City or Rapid City Better for Nightlife?

Panama City is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Rapid City is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

Panama City has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife is particular crazy during spring break, when the town fills with students. Head to the famous Club La Vela or Spinnaker for music and fun at night.

Rapid City is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. You'll find some places with live music and good drinks, but the city isn't really known for its nightlife scene.

Is Panama City or Rapid City Better for Music?

Panama City is very good for its live music scene. However, Rapid City is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Panama City. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Rapid City is not a live music destination.

Is Panama City or Rapid City Better for Resorts?

Panama City is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Rapid City is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Panama City makes a nice vacation spot. Most people stay in condos that are VRBO's or Airbnbs, but there are resorts in the area as well.

Rapid City is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or Rapid City Better for Beaches?

Panama City is a very popular place for the beach. However, Rapid City is not a beach destination.

Panama City is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. With miles of long white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, this area's beaches offer a beautiful escape. Head to the area's state parks for the most natural experience. These include St. Andrews State Park and Camp Helen State Park. A day trip to Shell Island is also popular.

Rapid City is not a beach destination.

Is Panama City or Rapid City Better for Hiking?

Rapid City is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Panama City is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Rapid City. The region is filled with national parks, state parks, and natural areas with wonderful hiking trails. You don't have to travel far to get into nature and experience some of South Dakota's best natural beauty.

Panama City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Rapid City?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Rapid City and Panama City.

Panama City offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of malls and shopping centers in the area.

Rapid City has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Rapid City has some interesting local shops as well as larger malls and shopping centers.

Is Panama City or Rapid City More Beautiful?

Panama City is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Rapid City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Panama City is a beautiful place to visit, too. With beautiful sand and blue water, Panama City is a beautiful spot for people who enjoy city beaches.

Rapid City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Panama City or Rapid City Better for Families?

Panama City and Rapid City are both terrific destinations for the whole family.

Panama City is an amazing family-friendly beach town to visit. This area has large sandy beaches, waterparks, amusement parks, and marine parks. Kids will enjoy playing around at WonderWorks, cooling off at Shipwreck Island Waterpark, and learning about marine life at Gulf World Marine Park. There are also many watersports and water activities that are fun for the whole family.

Rapid City is an extremely popular beach town to visit for families. Nearby national parks and outdoor activities, this is the perfect base for exploring the area with kids. Nearby you'll find the Big Thunder Gold Mine, which has tours and lets you pan for gold, and Custer State Park, which is filled with wildlife. Wall Drug is worth a stopoff, as is Dinosaur Park.

Is Panama City or Rapid City Better for Couples?

Panama City and Rapid City are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Panama City frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful beaches and romantic restaurants make for a great romantic getaway. This is the perfect place to take sunset walks along the beach and sample freshly caught local seafood.

Rapid City is a great beach town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy the amazing national parks in the area and the easy access to iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore. There are many opportunities for wildlife spotting as well as great hiking trails and unique landscapes.

Is Panama City or Rapid City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rapid City is a great destination for backpackers. However, Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Rapid City is a great city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers will appreciate the surrounding natural beauty and the nearby national parks.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Panama City or Rapid City Better for Students?

Panama City is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Rapid City is not popular with students.

Panama City is very popular with students. It's not the spring break destination that it once was, but you'll still find students hanging out around the spring holidays.

Rapid City is not popular with students.

Is Panama City or Rapid City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Panama City and Rapid City.

Public transit is generally limited in Panama City. Most people need a car in Panama City but there is a trolley service that connects major tourist areas.

Public transit is mostly limited in Rapid City. While there are a few buses, this isn't a realistic option for traveling through the region.

Is Panama City or Rapid City a more walkable city?

Rapid City is a city with a few options for its high level of walkability. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Rapid City is generally not very walkable. While the downtown is walkable, most visitors use the city as a base for exploring the surrounding areas, and this requires a car.

Panama City is not a very walkable beach town. There's often construction and the streets aren't designed for pedestrians.

For even more information, also check out Is Panama City Worth Visiting? and Is Rapid City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rapid City or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Rapid City?

It's fun to spend time in either Panama City or Rapid City. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Panama City due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Panama City, and 2-4 days is enough time in Rapid City.

Couples should spend more time in Panama City than Rapid City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Panama City that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rapid City than Panama City if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Rapid City.

One day in Panama City or Rapid City?

With shopping and nightlife around the cosmopolitan beach town of Panama City, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the friendly city of Rapid City. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the museums. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Panama City or Rapid City?

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Panama City, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Rapid City. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Panama City or Rapid City?

Panama City, a popular beach town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this beach town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The activity-filled city of Rapid City offers museums and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Panama City or Rapid City?

Panama City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this beach town makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Rapid City. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the museums. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Panama City and Rapid City, we can see that Panama City is more expensive. And not only is Rapid City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rapid City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rapid City and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Panama City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Panama City than you might in Rapid City.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Panama City Expensive? and Is Rapid City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Panama City or Rapid City?

Rapid City has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Panama City and Rapid City, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.